This handy art guide is a feast for the eyes with large, vivid color plates on every page that showcase the great talent, vision, and style of five hundred masterful painters and sculptors from the Middle Ages to the present. The book's format, in alphabetical order of artists, makes for a fascinating contrast of art movements, schools, and periods, often juxtaposing radically different works, e.g., a vibrant expressionistic abstraction by England's Peter Lanyon (1918-1954) next to a luminous Baroque painting by France's Georges de La Tour (1593-1652). The knowledgeable commentary on each artist and work featured is an enlightening complement to the illustrations. The works are cross-referenced, and each is well described with date, medium, size, and present location. Glossaries of technical terms and artistic movements and a directory of museums and galleries are included. On the minus side, the extremely small print in this thick trade paperback may discourage even the most avid reader. Also, more complete data on the artists themselves would have been helpful. Vital statistics are given as well as towns of birth, and for American artists, native states are included; but in all cases, countries of origin are omitted. It almost is universally known in what countries major centers such as Paris, London, or Berlin, are; less well-known sites such as Bruhl, Scorel, and Bruchy, for instance, are more difficult to place. The nationality of many artists is mentioned in the text, but it is omitted for quite a few others, so the reader will have to look elsewhere for this information. This eye-catching book is sure to attract the attention of art lovers and even casual browsers. Although not an in-depth manual, it will give young adults a panoramic view of art through the ages and will likely motivate some into further study of this wonderfully creative field. Young adult librarians may wish to consider it as an additional purchase, but before buying, do take a look at the large, hardback edition (Chronicle, 1994); it is certainly easier to read, and a truly beautiful volume. Glossary. Illus.